The Easiest Way to Memorize the Algorithms of Rubik's Cube

Learn to solve the Rubik’s cube in no time by taking advantage of your visual memory. You’ve probably been playing with Rubik’s cube and wondering how to solve it. Eventually, you may have succeeded by following an online tutorial. While there are several methods to solve the 3x3 cube, these techniques usually consist of a number of algorithms that look something like this: T R Ti Ri Ti Fi T F.

Some people can memorize such sequences without difficulty. But what about the rest of us who are better at remembering peoples faces rather than their names? The good news is that the algorithms can be converted into easy to memorize graphics so that you don’t need to spend days learning the sequences by heart!

Every plane of the cube can be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise in relation to the rest of the cube. As you hold the cube in front of you, these planes are identified as front (F), top (T), right (R), left (L), back (B), and down (D). Each letter indicates a 90 degrees clockwise rotation of the corresponding plane. Counterclockwise, or inverted, rotation is indicated by adding an "i" to the letter: Fi, Ri, etc.

Here's a suggestion how you can use symbols (e.g. arrows) instead of letters to indicate specific moves. In the following steps, you’ll see how you can join several symbols to visually encode an algorithm by forming a picture.

First, some preparation. Start by solving one layer, say white. In fact, it's a good training to do it without memorizing any algorithms. Just start by making a cross around the white central piece by placing edge peaces so that they mach the neighbouring center pieces. Afterwards, use these edge pieces to "fetch" the corner pieces into their places. Feel free to consult another source on solving the first layer. A good starting point could be here: http://youtu.be/tYmtdFM1Zwk.

Now, you'll want to turn the cube upside down so that the white layer is on the bottom in order to start solving the middle layer. You do this by "rotating" the edge pieces into their places one at a time using these algorithms. Remove the piece first by the same method if it is already in place but not oriented correctly.

Orient the cube according to the situation of the yellow edge pieces, as shown. Then, keep doing the algorithms until you have made the yellow cross.

Here, pay attention to the orientation of the cube, too. It depends on how many top corner pieces are yellow. Repeat the algorithm until the entire top of the cube is yellow. You'll fix the orientation of the corners and the edges in the following steps.

The goal here is to solve the four top corners. Before you begin, two corner pieces have to be placed correctly in place as A&B or A&D or B&C by rotating the top layer.

You're almost done. At this stage, one of the edge pieces on the top layer will probably be oriented correctly. You have to place this piece away from you and then rotate the three remaining edge pieces either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Congratulations, you should be done :) Feel free to modify the visual symbols according to your preferences, and let me know what you think in the comments.

Enjoy your new skills!